Kathmandu, Nepal: Locals try to extinguish a fire at Nepal Bank, the country's oldest and largest private sector financial institution.

But that was then. Now Mr. Lewis is drawing fire for overpaying for Merrill, whose gaping losses prompted Bank of America to seek a second rescue from Washington.

Retaining her post as finance minister in the new administration, she came under fire from a House special committee investigating the Bank Century bailout.